(Image/OTC Tools)
Replacing ball joints is one of those jobs where you absolutely need the proper tool to do it right.
But it takes more than owning a quality ball joint press to get the job done.
Thankfully, the automotive gurus at OTC Tools have your back. They put together this training video on how to use a ball joint press to successfully swap-out a worn ball joint.
The video shows a tech using OTC Tool’s 6529 Ball Joint Master Service Kit for Cars, which is intended for professional mechanics and includes an adapter for dang near every car ever made.
Most home DIY’ers can make-do with a basic kit, but keep in mind that your vehicle may require a specialty adapter (especially if it’s four-wheel drive). Those adapters usually can be purchased individually.
Regardless of the kit you have, the removal and installation process using a C-clamp-style ball joint tool is going to be pretty similar.
In the video, the tech is using an air-powered wrench, but you can do the job with a standard socket wrench and/or breaker bar. (This method comes with a free upper-body workout too!)
It’s very important to do a ball joint replacement correctly, because an improper installation could cause a dangerous component failure.
The good news is, that with the right tool, it’s a relatively straightforward job.
And this video will show you how to do it.
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